October 9, 2000, ABS-CBN, AFP hints of MILF Commander Bravo's surrender,

October 9, 2000, ABS-CBN, AFP hints of MILF Commander Bravo's surrender,

QUEZON CITY, (ABS-CBN) - Military officials revealed Sunday that another ranking Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander responsible for the series of terroristic attacks early this year has reportedly sent surrender feelers to the government. 

Armed Forces 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Roy Cimatu said Abdullah Rakman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, has recently indicated willingness to yield to authorities following the dwindling number of his armed followers.

Cimatu claimed that from an estimated high of about 700 to 1,000 fighters, Macapaar's group has dwindled to only about 40-50 armed followers.

"Others have laid low while his other commanders have scattered in other areas following the successful military campaign in MILF territories," Cimatu said.

The military general, however, refused to disclose other details regarding Macapaar's impending surrender.

Other military sources however said Cimatu recently went to Iligan City following intelligence information that Macapaar was expected to yield somewhere in that area.

Macapaar, chief of the MILF's 303rd Bridage, has been charged in court for the February 25 bombing of two buses on board MV Mediatrix in Ozamis City wherein at least 41 persons died and 33 others wounded.

Likewise, Macapaar's group was behind the occupation of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte for several days in March before they were flushed out by combined force of Marines and Army troopers on March 18.

Cimatu's disclosure came a few days after a ranking MILF commander - Marogong, Lanao del Sur Vice Mayor Malupandi Cosain Sarip alias Commander Lupay - yielded to President Estrada in Cagayan de Oro City last Thursday along with 609 of his armed followers.

Following Sarip's surrender, MILF chair Hashim Salamat has since given instructions for a shoot-to-kill order against other MILF fighters who would want to return to the fold of the law.